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Monday, March 17, 2014

Boy, We Were Wrong About the Solar System- A Science Must Read Mentor Text

My kiddies have been loving our unit on the solar system and I have to admit that I'm having a lot of fun with it to! We love exploring each of the planets in our solar system, creating craters in the sand like on the moon, and demonstrating how eclipses work with flashlights and our globe.

I don't know about you, but our science text book is outdated...like really, really outdated. This is especially difficult with the solar system since so many things have changed! Enter: Boy We Were Wrong About the Solar System!

To kick off our solar system unit I read Kathleen Kudlinski's informational book that covers from the early greek astronomers, to Isaac Newton, up to the demotion of Pluto from a planet to a dwarf planet. It's a great text that clues readers into how we are always making new discoveries in science and changing our thinking of what we know.

Poor Pluto, was a Young Authors Award winner, written and illustrated by third-grade students is another beloved read aloud for this unit. The illustrations hand-drawn by the third grade students and simple story line are so enjoyable! In the story a third grade class welcomes Pluto to be a part of their room, since he is no longer a planet. In the end, they decide it's best for Pluto to return to the solar system. Adorable, fun, and the it ignites a lot of students into wanting to write their own stories!

For more great science read alouds check out Collaboration Cuties! I adore their weekly linky parties and adding new books to my Amazon wish list!

About Me

Hi There! My name is Erin and I'm a 20-something enthusiastic elementary teacher! Currently I'm teaching third grade and LOVE my job! My ♥ belongs in the elementary school! When I'm not teaching, you can find me crafting, baking, and enjoying time with my family and friends. I created this blog to share my ideas and inspirations with others, just as they have shared their ideas with me :) Thanks for visiting and I hope you come again soon!